You Shall Be My Witnesses
“You shall be my witnesses”
Recently, we have been working our way through the beginning pages of the Book of Acts. Through those pages we learn that God, the Holy Spirit, is leading us to be filled with power to be witnesses to the things of Jesus Christ. This leaves us with all kinds of questions. Three major questions emerge for us to consider:
What is the nature of this power we are to receive?
What is the purpose of this power?
What does it mean to be witnesses?
First, we learn that this power is NOT a way to control others or the circumstances around us. In keeping with Jesus himself, this power is for the transformation of the world. It is not power, as the world tries to exercise it. No one will be seeking to advance themselves ahead of all others. No one will be attempting to amass a war chest or a personal nest egg of precious jewels. No, the power put forth by Jesus in Acts 1 is a power to encourage, enlighten, and fill the lives of those who call upon the name of the Lord.
Second, the power given to Jesus disciples is meant to transform the personal lives of the disciples until each grows in their faithfulness to the Holy Trinity. Not only does the power of the Holy Spirit transform us personally, but it also transform us collectively. More and more our ability as the people of God will be conformed to the image of Christ. More and more we find our community of faith being change in its focus and purpose. The deeper we go with Jesus the more we turn outside of ourselves, and toward the needs and concerns of Jesus for the Father’s world.
Lastly, the power of the Holy Spirit is to solidify our witness before others. It’s a power to shore up integrity in our lives. Its focus is on demonstrating a transparency and a faithfulness that reveals itself to others as authentic witness. This means each and every one of us is being formed into a valued witness for Jesus. Imagine that the Lord desires and is carrying out a mission to make us like him. What a glorious promise!